A relaxation on house-building restrictions in rural areas may help places badly in need of regeneration, such as in North Leitrim.
The issue was raised recently with Housing and Urban Renewal Minister Damien English during a visit to Carrick on Shannon.
Sligo County Council is now revising its County Development Plan to remove ‘locals only’ planning rules so as to comply with EU regulations on the free movement of people.
It’s understood the Department of Housing is now consulting with local authorities regarding changes required in their planning guidlines.
Leitrim Council Cathaoirleach Fianna Fail Councillor Mary Bohan says councillors pointed out to Minister English that in order to revitalise town and villages, it was necessary to also revitalise outlying areas.
